EP0119825B1 - Shaped disposable diapers with shaped elastically contractible waistband and method for their manufacture - Google Patents

Shaped disposable diapers with shaped elastically contractible waistband and method for their manufacture Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0119825B1
EP0119825B1 EP84301717A EP84301717A EP0119825B1 EP 0119825 B1 EP0119825 B1 EP 0119825B1 EP 84301717 A EP84301717 A EP 84301717A EP 84301717 A EP84301717 A EP 84301717A EP 0119825 B1 EP0119825 B1 EP 0119825B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
diaper
backsheet
topsheet
elastomeric material
waistband
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired
Application number
EP84301717A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0119825A2 (en
EP0119825A3 (en
Inventor
Glen R. Lash
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Procter and Gamble Co
Original Assignee
Procter and Gamble Co
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Procter and Gamble Co filed Critical Procter and Gamble Co
Priority to AT84301717T priority Critical patent/ATE35607T1/de
Publication of EP0119825A2 publication Critical patent/EP0119825A2/en
Publication of EP0119825A3 publication Critical patent/EP0119825A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0119825B1 publication Critical patent/EP0119825B1/en
Expired legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/49—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers
    • A61F13/49007—Form-fitting, self-adjusting disposable diapers
    • A61F13/49009—Form-fitting, self-adjusting disposable diapers with elastic means
    • A61F13/49011—Form-fitting, self-adjusting disposable diapers with elastic means the elastic means is located at the waist region
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/15577—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing
    • A61F13/15585—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing of babies' napkins, e.g. diapers
    • A61F13/15593—Apparatus or processes for manufacturing of babies' napkins, e.g. diapers having elastic ribbons fixed thereto; Devices for applying the ribbons
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/49—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers
    • A61F13/49007—Form-fitting, self-adjusting disposable diapers
    • A61F13/49009—Form-fitting, self-adjusting disposable diapers with elastic means
    • A61F13/49017—Form-fitting, self-adjusting disposable diapers with elastic means the elastic means being located at the crotch region
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F13/00—Bandages or dressings; Absorbent pads
    • A61F13/15—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators
    • A61F13/45—Absorbent pads, e.g. sanitary towels, swabs or tampons for external or internal application to the body; Supporting or fastening means therefor; Tampon applicators characterised by the shape
    • A61F13/49—Absorbent articles specially adapted to be worn around the waist, e.g. diapers
    • A61F13/49007—Form-fitting, self-adjusting disposable diapers
    • A61F13/49009—Form-fitting, self-adjusting disposable diapers with elastic means
    • A61F13/4902—Form-fitting, self-adjusting disposable diapers with elastic means characterised by the elastic material

Definitions

  • This invention concerns shaped disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, and the like having elastically contractible waistbands.
  • Disposable diapers function both to contain the discharged materials and to isolate these materials from the body of the wearer and from the wearer's surroundings. Modern embodiments of disposable diapers frequently perform these tasks in a manner superiorto that of traditional cloth diapers.
  • Disposable diapers normally comprise three elements: a liquid permeable topsheet designed to be placed next to the wearer's skin; a liquid impermeable backsheet which forms, in use, the outer surface of the diaper; and an absorbent element interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet.
  • the topsheet is frequently a hydrophobic non-woven fabric which is readily permeable to fluid. Its hydrophobicity tends to cause the surface in contact with the wearer's skin to be dry and the skin to be protected from fluids absorbed within the absorbent element.
  • the absorbent element receives and retains fluids which pass through the topsheet. It normal ly comprises a batt of airlaid wood pulp fibers.
  • the backsheet functions to contain fluids within the absorbent element thereby protecting ths wearer's outer garments and other surfaces from soiling by these fluids.
  • Backsheets are commonly formed of fluid impermeable, vapor impermeable materials such as polyethylene film.
  • Disposable diapers having many different basic designs are known to the art. For example, Duncan and Baker in U.S. Patent Re 26,151, issued January 31, 1967, describe and claim a disposable diaper which has achieved wide acceptance and commercial success. Buell, in U.S. Patent 3,860,003, issued January 14, 1975, describes and claims another disposable diaper which, too, has achieved wide acceptance and commercial success.
  • the diaper taught by Buell differs from that taught by Duncan and Baker in many respects, not the least of which is the provision in the Buell diaper of elasticized (or contractible) leg cuffs.
  • Another embodiment of disposable diapers is described and claimed by Aziz and Blaney in European Patent Application EP-A-70584. The Aziz and Blaney diaper also provides elasticized (or contractible) leg cuffs, but is of a somewhat different design than that described by Buell.
  • disposable diapers comprising fluid and vapor impermeable backsheets
  • diapers comprising fluid and vapor impermeable backsheets
  • diapers provided with such impermeable backsheets are unable to self- dry as they otherwise would because evaporation of fluids from the absorbent element is precluded.
  • backsheets which are relatively impermeable to liquid but relatively permeableto vapor and which are known as breathable backsheets have been described. Breathable backsheets tend to provide a cooler garment and permit some measure of self-drying of the diaper while it is being worn. For example, Crowe, Jr.
  • Another improved diaper comprises an elastically contractible waistband which allows the diaper to breathe and which tends to resist waistband rollover.
  • a waistband comprising an elastic element interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet and affixed to both the topsheet and the backsheet in such a way as to cause the formation of transverse channels between the topsheet and the elastic element and the backsheet and the elastic element.
  • Transverse in this context means extending across (“transverse to") the waistband and that the channels extend from the outer diaper margin to an interior region of the diaper.
  • a shaped disposable diaper comprising a liqiud permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, said backsheet being affixed to said topsheet, an absorbent element disposed between and of shorter length than said topsheet and said backsheet, and at least one waistband extending from the laterally extending margin of the diaper to the laterally extending margin of said absorbent element, said waistband comprising an elongate elastomeric material in a heat-stable and elastic state, said elastomeric material being affixed to at least one of said topsheet and said backsheet; said at least one of said topsheet and said backsheet being gathered by reason of being affixed to said elastomeric material wherein the at least one waistband is folded into a C-fold configuration with fold regions at which said topsheet and said backsheet are folded; and wherein the at least one waistband is more gathered in the fold regions than in the regions outside the fold regions.
  • Elastic is used here to describe a material which can be elongated to a practical extent upon the application of tension and which will substantially return to its original configuration after the tension is released.
  • the heat stable state is dimensionally smaller than the heat unstable state.
  • the elastomeric material is applied to the disposable diaper in its heat unstable state.
  • the disposable diaper is folded into a preselected orientation, is restrained in that orientation, and is heated to such an extent as to cause the elastomeric material to assume its heat stable and elastic state.
  • the resulting elastically contractable waistband assumes an essentially permanent set related to the folded configuration, which essentially permanent set tends to cause the disposable diaper to be shaped and to fit more closely about the trunk of the wearer.
  • the resulting waistband also tends to resist waistband rollover.
  • Disposable diapers comprise three major elements: a topsheet; a backsheet; and an absorbent element.
  • the topsheet forms the inside of the disposable diaper (i.e., that portion intended to be placed next to the wearer's skin).
  • the backsheet generally forms the exterior surface of the disposable diaper.
  • the absorbent element is interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet.
  • a disposable diaper is generally designed to be placed between and generally centered between the legs of an infant and secured about the infant by bringing the front portion of the diaper adjacent the front waist area of the infant and the rear portion of the diaper adjacent the rear waist area of the infant and securing the diaper in that position.
  • disposable diapers comprise fastening tapes for securing the diaper about the infant. They also optionally comprise elastic members in the longitudinally extending margins to form an elastically contractible leg cuff or side flap. They also optionally comprise elastic elements in the laterally extending margins to form elastically contractible waistbands.
  • the waistband of a disposable diaper is that portion of the diaper which is intended to be placed adjacent the wearer's waist. While the waistband can comprise a separate element affixed to the body of the disposable diaper, it more often is an extension of other elements of the disposable diaper such as the backsheet or the topsheet or both the backsheet and the topsheet. Further, the waistband is generally considered to be that portion of the diaper extending from the laterally extending margin of the diaper to about the laterally extending margin of the absorbent element. Disposable diapers are normally constructed so as to have two waistbands: a front and a rear. While disposable diapers can be constructed so as to have a single unitary waistband encircling the waist of the wearer, such designs are not preferred. It is also possible to construct a disposable diaper having three or more waistband sections intended to be affixed about the waist of the wearer, but, these embodiments, too, are not preferred.
  • the present invention provides a shaped disposable diaper having at least one elastically contractible waistband.
  • the elastically contractible waistband comprises an elastomeric material having both a heat unstable state and a heat stable and elastic state.
  • the elastomeric material is attached to the disposable diaper when the elastomeric material is in its heat unstable state; the elastomeric material is then heated under certain, defined conditions in such a manner that it assumes its heat stable but elastic state.
  • a heat contractible material is affixed to the garment when the heat contractible material is in its elongated and heat unstable state. The entire system is then heated thereby causing the heat contractible material to contract to its heat stable but elastic state thereby shirring, or gathering the garment.
  • any prior art disposable diaper such as those taught by Duncan and Baker or by Buell or by Aziz and Blaney, comprising an absorbent core interposed between a topsheet and a backsheet, can incorporate the teachings of Massengale et al and Koch et al by having a strip of an elastomeric material (hereinafter defined in greater specificity) applied laterally across the width of the disposable diaper in one or both of its waist regions.
  • the absorbent core does not extend fully to the lateral (waist) edges of the topsheet and backsheet which are typically coextensive.
  • the elastomeric material is conveniently interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet in that region between the termination of the absorbent core and the termination of the essentially coextensive topsheet and backsheet.
  • a simple disposable diaper is shown in partially cut away plan view in Figure 10.
  • simple disposable diaper 100 comprises absorbent core 101 interposed between topsheet 102 and backsheet 104.
  • Diaper 100 has longitudinal side margins 113 and 114. It also has lateral waist regions 111 (rear) and 112 (front).
  • Strips of elastomeric material 103 are interposed between topsheet 102 and backsheet 104 and extend laterally across the diaper in that region between the termination of absorbent core 101 and the lateral edges of diaper 100. Elastomeric material strips 103 are affixed to both topsheet 102 and backsheet 104 by means not illustrated.
  • Figure 6 is an end view of diaper 100 as looking toward rear waist area 111. In this view, the thicknesses of the three elements have been exaggerated for clarity.
  • Figure 7 is the same view of diaper 100 as shown in Figure 6, but represents diaper 100 after elastomeric material strip 103 has been subjected to sufficient thermal energy to cause it to contract predominantly uniaxially. It can be readily seen that the contraction of elastomeric material strip 103 gathers, or shirrs, topsheet 102 and backsheet 104 more or less uniformly over their entire common lengths. This is what one obtains if one merely applies the teachings of Massengale et al or Koch et al to disposable diapers.
  • the garment to which the elastomeric material is attached is a disposable diaper comprising an absorbent core, and if the diaper is folded while the elastomeric material is in its heat unstable form, the elastomeric material will contract nonuniformly when heated.
  • Nonuniform contraction results in (1) nonuniform gathering of the materials attached to the elastomeric material; (2) a tendency of the diaper to retain a configuration analogous to its folded configuration; and (3) a decreased tendency to waistband rollover when the diaper is worn.
  • the benefits flowing from a shaped configuration are better fit and decreased leakage around the waistband.
  • Figure 8 is the same end view of diaper 100 as shown in Figure 6 except that diaper 100 has been folded into a C-fold configuration and is held in that configuration by means not shown. Diaper 100 has fourfold areas 81 as illustrated. The C-fold shown in this figure is an open C-fold. Closed folds where topsheet 102 actually contacts itself on the inner surfaces of the "C" are not only possible, but also are preferred in many situations.
  • FIG 9 is a view of diaper 100 analogous to that shown in Figure 8, except this view is taken after elastomeric material strip 103 has been subjected to sufficient thermal energy to cause it to substantially contract to its heat stable and elastic state.
  • the restraining means associated with, but not shown in, Figure 8 has been removed.
  • disposable diaper 100 retains a general "C" configuration, although not nearly so sharply defined as the C-fold configuration shown in Figure 8.
  • neither topsheet 102 nor backsheet 104 is, uniformly gathered as shown in Figure 7. They are, in fact, more gathered, or shirred, in fold regions 81 than in regions outside fold regions 81.
  • the benefits of the present invention flow from a tendency of the absorbent core to resist the contraction of the elastomeric material in those regions where the absorbant core is intact.
  • the bending of the absorbant core, as at the folds, tends to decrease the amount of resistance the core engenders thereby allowing the elastomeric material to contract more fully in the regions associated with the folds.
  • the elastomeric materials useful in the present invention include a number of materials well known to those skilled in the art.
  • the polyurethane described in the hereinbefore mentioned patent to Koch et al and the plasticized vinyl chloride described in the hereinbefore mentioned patent to Massengale et al can be used.
  • the compositions comprising a mixture of a thermoplastic resin material (or other organic, normally solid heat flowable material) in an elastomeric material as described by Cook in U.S. Patent Re 28,688, can also be used.
  • a preferred elastomeric material useful herein is a blend of ethylene propylene rubber with ethylene vinyl acetate which has been extruded into a film as made by Exxon Chemical Company of Florham Park, New Jersey, and which has been tentered. During tentering, the film is placed in an oven at approximately 65°C and, after softening, it is stretched to approximately four times its original length in one direction. The stretched film is then allowed to cool. The polymers are now predominantly uniaxially oriented and the film essentially retains its new dimension and is in a heat unstable state. (It should be noted that this particular material is still elastic even in its heat unstable state.) Subsequent treatment of the film as with heated air at 68°C is sufficient to cause the film to reassume its heat stable and elastic state.
  • FIG. 1 A diaper embodiment in which the present invention finds preferred utility is illustrated in Figure 1 through 5.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art disposable diaper, but one in which the present invention is preferred for use.
  • the diaper illustrated in Figure 1 is based on the disposable diaper design taught in the hereinbefore mentioned patent to Buell. (although this is a preferred diaper design for use in the present invention, it must be realized that the present invention can be used, and is contemplated for use, with other disposable diaper designs. Several such designs are described in the hereinbefore mentioned patents and European patent application; other designs can be readily envisioned by those skilled in the art.)
  • disposable diaper 10 is shown in perspective in a configuration as if it were applied about an infant.
  • Disposable diaper 10 comprises a front portion 11 and a rear portion 12 with a crotch portion 13 interposed therebetween.
  • crotch portion 13 is placed between the legs of the infant and front portion 11 and rear portion 12 are placed, respectively, along the front and rear lower portions of the wearer's trunk.
  • Topsheet 15 forms the inner surface of disposable diaper 10 while backsheet 14 forms its outer surface.
  • Side flaps (or leg cuffs) 16 fit about the wearer's thighs.
  • front waistband 17 and rear waistband 18 are placed adjacent the wearer's waist regions on, respectively, the front and rear portions of the wearer's trunk.
  • Disposable diaper 10 is held in position about the wearer by fastening tape 19.
  • Outer margin of waistband 29 is shown in Figure 1 as the upper edge of disposable diaper 10.
  • Transverse regions of securement 25 and transverse regions of nonsecurement 26 in the waistbands are discussed more fully hereinafter.
  • FIG. 2 is a partially cut away plan view of disposable diaper 10 opened out into a planar configuration.
  • Topsheet 15 is, in this illustration, the upper surface of the diaper while backsheet 14 is the lower surface.
  • Absorbent element 21 is interposed between topsheet 15 and backsheet 14.
  • disposable diaper 10 is generally symmetrical about longitudinal center line 27 and lateral center line 28. While this is a preferred configuration, it is not necessary that disposable diaper 10 be symmetrical. An asymmetric orientation about lateral center line 28, as when crotch portion 13 is transposed toward front waistband 17, is quite useful.
  • Disposable diaper 10 is provided with elastic members 22 in the side margins thereof running generally parallel to longitudinal center line 27.
  • two elastic members 22 are placed on either side of disposable diaper 10; single or multiple elastic members can be used.
  • the embodiment illustrated is, however, preferred.
  • Fastening tapes 19 are secured to disposable diaper 10 adjacent rear waistband 18.
  • Front waist elasteromic element 23 and rear waist elastomeric element 24 are positioned, respectively, in front waistband 17 and rear waistband 18 adjacent outer margin of waistband 29.
  • disposable diaper 10 comprises elastic waist elements in both the front and the rear waistbands. While this is a preferred embodiment, the present invention is useful in diaper designs having only the front or only the rear waistband elasticized..
  • Transverse regions of securement 25 and transverse regions of nonsecurement 26 are also illustrated in Figure 2.
  • backsheet 14 One major function of backsheet 14 is to prevent body fluids from escaping from disposable diaper 10 and soiling the wearer's outer garments and other surfaces in contact with the disposable diaper. Any compliant, non-irritating planar material which is impermeable to body fluids can be used as backsheet 14. Suitable materials are described with particularity in the hereinbefore mentioned patents and patent application.
  • a preferred backsheet is formed from polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 0.012 to about 0.051 millimeter (mm).
  • Breathable backsheets i.e., backsheets that permit the passage of vapor and air while retarding the passage of liquid
  • backsheets that permit the passage of vapor and air while retarding the passage of liquid
  • backsheet 14 is dictated by the exact diaper design selected and the size of the infant intended to be the wearer; it can be readily ascertained by those skilled in the art.
  • Topsheet 15 can be any compliant, soft feeling, non-irritating (to the wearer's skin) planar material. It functions to contact the wearer's skin, to receive fluid discharges, to allow the discharges to pass readily therethrough into the absorbent element, and to isolate the wearer's skin from the fluids in the absorbent element. To aid in effective performance of the last function, the topsheet is-preferably hydrophobic.
  • Topsheet 15 can be porous paper made from natural or synthetic fibers or mixtures thereof, non-woven fabric made from natural or synthetic fibers or mixtures thereof, apertured plastic film, porous foam, or the like. Examples of suitable topsheets are described in the hereinbefore mentioned patents and patent application.
  • a preferred topsheet is spun bonded non-woven polyester fabric made from fibers of from 0.24 to 0.275 tex, having a basis weight of 17 grams (g) per square meter (M 2 ).
  • Another preferred topsheet material has a basis weight of 22 g per M 2 and comprises 65% (by weight) staple length, 0.16 tex polyester fibers (such as Kodel type 411 polyester fibers as sold by Tennessee Eastman Corporation, Kingsport, Tennessee);
  • Staple length refers to fibers having a length of at least 15 mm.
  • Still another preferred topsheet is constructed from polypropylene fibers which have been carded and thermally bonded in a spaced-apart pattern. Fibers 3.8 centimeters (cm) long and of from 0.16 to 0.33 tex are suitable. A preferred topsheet of this type has a basis weight of 24 g per M2.
  • Suitable topsheets can also be constructed from apertured plastic films such as those described by Radal and Thompson in U.S. Patent 4,342,314, issued August 3, 1982; Ferguson and Landrigan in U.S. Patent 4,341,217, issued July 27,1982; and Thompson in U.S. Patent 3,929,135, issued December 30, 1975.
  • topsheet 15 is dictated by the exact diaper design selected.
  • Absorbent element 21 can be any means which is generally compressible, conformable, non-irritating to the wearer's skin, and which is capable of absorbing and retaining fluid.
  • Absorbent element 21 can be constructed from any of a variety of materials commonly used in disposable absorbent articles and which are described in the hereinbefore incorporated patents.
  • suitable absorbent materials include creped cellulose wadding, absorbent foams, absorbent sponges, super absorbent polymers, and, preferably, comminuted and airlaid wood pulp fibers commonly referred to as absorbent fluff.
  • An absorbent fluff having a density of from 0.05 to 0.175 g per cm 3 is generally acceptable.
  • absorbent element 21 is dictated by the exact diaper design selected.
  • absorbent element 21 can have associated with either or both planar faces envelope tissues (not illustrated in the drawings) comprising any permeable material well known to those skilled in the art, such as wet strength tissue paper.
  • envelope tissues are generally coextensive with absorbent element 21 and either coterminus therewith or folded up and about the laterally extending margins thereof.
  • Envelope tissues can optionally be secured to absorbent core 21 by any means well known to those skilled in the art.
  • Absorbent element 21 is interposed between backsheet 14 and topsheet 15.
  • the diaper design selected determines whether or not the three elements are coterminus although, in general, either backsheet 14 or topsheet 15 or both extend beyond the margins of absorbent element 21.
  • both backsheet 14 and topsheet 15 preferably extend beyond the laterally extending margins of absorbent element 21 and are essentially coterminus along their laterally extending margins.
  • backsheet 14 can be secured to absorbent element 21 by any convenient means (not illustrated in the drawings) well known to those skilled in the art.
  • suitable means are parallel beads of adhesive (such as hot melt adhesive) and double sided adhesive tape; each extend essentially the entire longitudinal length of absorbent element 21.
  • Elastic members 22 serve to contract or gather the cuffs (longitudinally extending margins) of disposable diaper 10 and maintain them in contact with the legs of the wearer thereby providing improved fit and reducing fluid leakage from the diaper.
  • One material which can be used for elastic elements 22 is an elastic tape having a cross section of 0.18 mm by from 1.5 mm to 6.4 mm and made from natural rubber as available from East Hampton Rubber Company of Stuart, Virginia, under the trademark L-1900 Rubber Compound.
  • Other suitable elastic members can be made from natural rubber elastic tapes sold under the trademarks Fulflex 9211 and Fulflex 9111 by Fulflex Company, of Scotland, North Carolina.
  • elastic elements 22 are dictated by the precise diaper design chosen. In the design illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, elastic elements 22 extend a major portion of the longitudinal length of disposable diaper 10, but terminate outside the waist regions of disposable diaper 10.
  • Elastic members 22 are operably associated with disposable diaper 10 by securing them to the diaper adjacent its longitudinally extending margins by elastic attachment means which are not shown in the Figures.
  • the elastic attachment means should be flexible and of sufficient adhesiveness to hold elastic members 22 in their stretched condition substantially indefinitely.
  • One suitable means is hot melt adhesive.
  • Elastic members 22 are affixed to disposable diaper 10 in an elastically contractible condition so that in a normally unrestrained configuration elastic members 22 effectively contract or gather the diaper material adjacent elastic members 22.
  • Elastic members 22 can be affixed to disposable diaper 10 in an elastically contractible condition in at least two ways. For example, elastic members 22 can be stretched to an elongated orientation and affixed to disposable diaper 10 while disposable diaper 10 is in an uncontracted condition. Alternatively, disposable diaper 10 can be contracted (in crotch portion 13, for example by pleating) and elastic members 22 can be affixed to the contracted disposable diaper 10 while the elastic members are in their relaxed or unstretched orientation.
  • Front waist elastomeric element 23 and rear waist elastomeric element are each formed of elastomeric material as hereinbefore described.
  • Waist elastomeric elements 23 and 24 are at least 0.6 cm wide, preferably at least 1.6 cm wide. While the maximum width of waist elastomeric elements 23 and 24 is determined by the diaper design and matters of economy, they generally are no wider than 3.8 cm.
  • waist elastomeric elements 23 and 24 each extend across essentially the entire lateral width of disposable diaper 10. While this is a preferred construction, the present invention is useful in designs wherein waist elements 23 and 24 extend across only a portion of the lateral width of the diaper. Waist elastomeric elements 23 and 24 should, however, extend across a major portion of the lateral width of disposable diaper 10.
  • each waist elastomeric element is affixed together by transverse regions of securement while the waist elastomeric elements are in their heat unstable state and all three elements are essentially fully, but not elastically, extended.
  • the system is later heated (as with heated air) and the waist elastomeric element is allowed to return to its heat stable and elastic state.
  • Transverse regions of securement 25 are shown in a generalized representation in Figures 1 and 2. More specific embodiments of transverse regions of securement 25 are depicted in Figures 3 and 4 which are enlarged views of a portion of rear waistband 18 indicated by reference numeral 3 in Figure 2. In these views, the elastomeric material is in its heat stable and elastic state.
  • Transverse regions of securement 25 extend essentially across the whole width of waist elastomeric element 24.
  • transverse refers to an orientation generally perpendicular to the major laterally extending dimension of waistband 18. That is to say, since rear waistband 18 extends laterally across the width of disposable diaper 10 and is generally parallel to lateral center line 28, the transverse regions of securement 25 extend across rear waistband 18 in an orientation essentially parallel to longitudinal center line 27; they are directed generally from outer margin of waistband 29 to the center of disposable diaper 10. As illustrated, transverse regions of securement 25 are shown to be at essentially right angles to lateral center line 28 and to the lateral extent of waistband 18. This is the preferred orientation. One can, however, depart from true transversity without destroying the benefits conferred.
  • transverse regions of securement 25 need not extend absolutely across the entire width of waist elastomeric element 24 so long as they extend sufficiently far across the width thereof to provide the channels discussed hereinafter.
  • transverse regions of securement 25 are shown as essentially regularly spaced unitary zones of sealing attaching waist elastomeric element 24 to topsheet 15 and backsheet 14 which is not visible in Figure 3 or 4.
  • the precise means for providing the zones of sealing can be readily selected by those skilled in the art. Examples include adhesive attachment, solvent sealing and the like. Preferably, ultrasonic welding is used.
  • the points of attachment of both topsheet 15 and backsheet 14 to waist elastomeric element 24 are in register (i.e. are coextensive). This is a preferred orientation, but the points of attachment of topsheet 15 to waist elastomeric element 24 can be offset from the adjacent points of attachment of backsheet 14 to waist elastomeric element 24. In such a situation there will be offset transverse regions of securement on either side of the waist elastomeric element.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate embodiment of transverse regions of securement 25'.
  • the transverse regions of securement comprise discrete spaced zones of sealing, preferably ultrasonic welds, effectively attaching the materials together and forming the channels hereinafter described.
  • the discrete spaced zones are circular or elliptical.
  • Transverse regions of securement 25 can be from 0.15 to 1.0 cm wide (i.e. in the dimension generally parallel to lateral centerline 28. They are preferably regularly spaced, but they can be nonuniformly spaced. They are preferbaly from 0.3 to 1.5 cm apart as measured from center to center.
  • Figure 5 illustrates the functioning of the transverse regions of securement.
  • Figure 5 is an end view of the portions of rear waistband 18 shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 with rear waist elsatomeric element 24 in its heat stable and elastic state.
  • transverse regions of securement 25 are shown as darkened portions for emphasis.
  • Topsheet 15 and backsheet 14 are shown gathered. These gathers constitute and define transverse regions of nonsecurement 26b between backsheet 14 and rear waist elastomeric element 24 and transverse regions of nonsecurement 26t between topsheet 15 and rear waist elastomeric element 24.
  • These transverse regions of nonsecurement 26b and 26t form open gathers or channels from the margin of the diaper extending to the interior of the diaper and terminating in the region adjacent the laterally extending edges of absorbent element 21. These open channels allow the diaper to breathe by allowing the exchange of air and vapor between the interior of the diaper and the surrounding atmosphere even when the diaper is secured about an infant.
  • topsheet 15 and backsheet 14 form structures in the nature of corrugations. These corrugations extend transversely across the width of rear waistband 18 tend to stiffen the waistband thereby tending to prevent waistband rollover (i.e., the bending of the waistband about itself).
  • the diaper illustrated in Figure 1 does not embody the teachings of the present invention. That is to say, when the diaper was heated to cause the waist elastomeric elements to change from their heat unstable state to their heat stable and elastic state, the diaper was in an unrestrained, generally planer configuration. As illustrated in Figure 1, relatively uniform corrugations and channels were produced.
  • FIG. 11 illustrates a diaper of the present invention.
  • diaper embodiments described in some detail are preferred embodiments.
  • Other diaper designs embodying elastically contractible waistbands can benefit from the teachings of this invention.
  • the elastomeric material which was affixed to the diaper in an unstable state and was then treated to cause it to be transfromed into a stable and elastic state has been discussed in terms of a "heat unstable" elastomer. More broadly, the elastomeric materials useful herein are those materials that have an unstable state relative to some other stable and elastic state and which can be caused to be transformed from the unstable to the stable state by the application of any form of energy or by any other convenient treatment. The most convenient and the most practical form of energy is heat and the materials are described in such terms herein. The form of energy can be any other similar form of energy such as ultraviolet, infrared, microwave, or gamma radiation.
  • the present invention has been described in terms of an elastomeric material which is affixed to the diaper in its unstable state and is later transformed to its stable and elastic state.
  • the stable state is an absolute state, it is not necessary that it be, it is only required that the state following treatment be relatively more stable than the state preceeding treatment and that the state following treatment be sufficiently stable for practical use. It is, of course, necessary that the material be elastic in its stable state.
  • Diapers according to the present invention are constructed following the basic design described in the aforementioned patent to Buell. This diaper design provides for two (front and rear) waistbands.
  • the absorbent element comprises absorbent fluff having a density of 0.09 g per cm 3 and a basis weight of 1100 g per M 2 in the crotch portion and 350 g per M 2 near the waist portions. It is generally hourglass-shaped and is 38.7 cm long, 25.4 cm wide at each of its laterally extending margins, and 9.6 cm wide in the crotch portion. It is symmetrical about its longitudinal center line, but asymmetrical about its lateral center line in that the crotch portion is centered 21.6 cm from the rear lateral margin.
  • the topsheet comprises the thermally bonded polypropylene material hereinbefore mentioned and the backsheet 0.04 mm thick polyethylene film. Both also are hourglass-shaped and are 43.8 cm long and 30.5 cm wide at their laterally extending margins.
  • the absorbent element is interposed between the topsheet and the backsheet which are essentially coextensive and coterminus.
  • Hot-melt adhesive glue beads running parallel to the longitudinal center line secure the backsheet to the absorbent element. They also secure the backsheet to the topsheet in the cuff regions.
  • the cuff portions of the diapers are elasticized by incorporating therein two elastic members in each longitudinally extending margin of the diaper at the crotch portion.
  • Each is made of Fulflex 9211 and is 2.4 mm wide and 0.18 mm thick; their relaxed length is 19.6 cm. They are extended to 220% of their original lengths at the time of attachment.
  • These elastic members are centered about the crotch portion.
  • the pattern defined by the pair of members is centered 9.4 cm from the longitudinal center line of the diaper and parallel thereto.
  • the two elastic members in each diaper margin are centered on parallel lines 1.6 cm apart.
  • Each diaper waistband extends the- lateral width of the diaper and is 30;5 cm long; each waistband is 2.5 cm wide in the transverse direction.
  • the waist elastomeric element used in each waistband is the hereinbefore described ethylene propylene rubber blended with ethylene vinyl acetate which is tentered as described.
  • Each is 30.5 cm long. 2.5 cm wide, and 0.04 mm thick and is secured to both the topsheet and the backsheet. At the time of securement the topsheet and the backsheet are in fully extended configurations.
  • Transverse regions of securement comprising discrete zones of ultrasonic weids are used to affix each waist elastomeric element to both the topsheet and to the backsheet.
  • the tranverse regions of securement each comprise seven discrete elliptical zones of ultrasonic welds each having a major axis of 1.9 mm and a minor axis of 1.0 mm; each individual ellipse is set with its major axis at an angle of 45° to the transverse direction.
  • the transverse regions of securement are generally regularly spaced along each waistband and their centers are 6.4 mm apart.
  • Adhesive fastening tapes are adhesively affixed to the diaper.
  • Each assembled diaper is folded in a closed C-fold as described above and several are restrained in that configuration.
  • the folded diaper is heated with air at 68°C so that the elastomeric material shrinks to its heat stable and elastic state.
  • the diapers of this invention exhibit different degrees of gathering along the waist band when the restraining force is removed and the diapers are allowed to assume a loose "C" configuration.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Absorbent Articles And Supports Therefor (AREA)
  • Orthopedics, Nursing, And Contraception (AREA)
  • Materials For Medical Uses (AREA)
  • Catalysts (AREA)
  • Table Equipment (AREA)
  • Processing And Handling Of Plastics And Other Materials For Molding In General (AREA)
  • Dental Tools And Instruments Or Auxiliary Dental Instruments (AREA)
EP84301717A 1983-03-18 1984-03-14 Shaped disposable diapers with shaped elastically contractible waistband and method for their manufacture Expired EP0119825B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT84301717T ATE35607T1 (de) 1983-03-18 1984-03-14 Koerperfoermige wegwerfwindel mit einem elastisch ziehbaren geformten taillenband und verfahren zu ihrer herstellung.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US47673483A 1983-03-18 1983-03-18
US476734 1983-03-18

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0119825A2 EP0119825A2 (en) 1984-09-26
EP0119825A3 EP0119825A3 (en) 1985-04-17
EP0119825B1 true EP0119825B1 (en) 1988-07-13

Family

ID=23893030

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP84301717A Expired EP0119825B1 (en) 1983-03-18 1984-03-14 Shaped disposable diapers with shaped elastically contractible waistband and method for their manufacture

Country Status (19)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0119825B1 (da)
JP (2) JP2590054B2 (da)
KR (1) KR910005920B1 (da)
AT (1) ATE35607T1 (da)
BR (1) BR8401215A (da)
CA (1) CA1211602A (da)
DE (1) DE3472617D1 (da)
DK (1) DK137784D0 (da)
EG (1) EG16321A (da)
ES (2) ES530683A0 (da)
GB (1) GB2136677B (da)
GR (1) GR81775B (da)
HK (1) HK58290A (da)
IE (1) IE55086B1 (da)
MA (1) MA20063A1 (da)
MX (1) MX159353A (da)
MY (1) MY102363A (da)
PH (1) PH25563A (da)
SG (1) SG31989G (da)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107106365A (zh) * 2014-12-18 2017-08-29 3M创新有限公司 尿布附件及相关方法

Families Citing this family (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4642819A (en) * 1985-01-10 1987-02-17 Kimberly-Clark Corporation Disposable garments with multiple strand elasticized openings
US4681580A (en) * 1985-03-29 1987-07-21 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable diapers with unitary waistshield and elastically expansible waistbands
JPS61233737A (ja) * 1985-04-10 1986-10-18 Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd ハロゲン化銀写真感光材料
US5034078A (en) * 1985-05-08 1991-07-23 Exxon Chemical Patents Inc. Method of making an elastomeric film
FR2583621B1 (fr) * 1985-06-19 1990-10-05 Boussac Saint Freres Bsf Couche-culotte a jeter munie d'une ceinture elastique
FR2583620B1 (fr) * 1985-06-19 1990-10-05 Boussac Saint Freres Bsf Couche-culotte a jeter munie d'une ceinture elastique reactivee.
JPH0716506B2 (ja) * 1986-03-19 1995-03-01 ユニ・チヤ−ム株式会社 使い捨ておむつ
BR8601228A (pt) * 1986-03-19 1987-11-03 Johnson & Johnson Sa Absorvente anatomico
US4726807A (en) * 1986-04-10 1988-02-23 Weyerhaeuser Company Diaper with elastic margins
US6881207B1 (en) 1987-09-08 2005-04-19 Rhonda Tracy Disposable diaper with padded waistband and legholes
GB2216774A (en) * 1988-04-05 1989-10-18 Procter & Gamble Disposable diaper having stiffened waistbelt
US6340782B1 (en) 1989-10-04 2002-01-22 Sca Hygiene Products Aktiebolag Method of securing an elastic band and an article that includes such an elastic band
US5188626A (en) * 1989-12-26 1993-02-23 Kao Corporation Disposable diapers
US5140757A (en) * 1990-10-09 1992-08-25 Terada Stanley H Elastic band heat activation system
ZA92308B (en) 1991-09-11 1992-10-28 Kimberly Clark Co Thin absorbent article having rapid uptake of liquid
DE69310406T2 (de) * 1992-02-13 1997-09-18 Japan Absorbent Tech Inst Zusammengesetzte elastische Bahn für Hygieneartikel, ihr Herstellungsverfahren und ihre Verwendung
EP0591647B2 (en) † 1992-08-13 2004-04-21 Japan Absorbent Technology Institute Stretchable absorbent article
US5411618A (en) * 1993-11-24 1995-05-02 Paper Converting Machine Company Method and apparatus for producing waistband-equipped disposable diapers
JP3550054B2 (ja) 1999-06-30 2004-08-04 ユニ・チャーム株式会社 弾性伸縮性のシート
US7481802B2 (en) 2001-12-28 2009-01-27 Sca Hygiene Products Ab Absorbent article
WO2004113194A2 (en) 2003-06-13 2004-12-29 S. C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Disposable container cover with elastic replacement
EP1901690B1 (en) * 2005-07-14 2014-08-27 SCA Hygiene Products AB A pant-type absorbent article having an elastic waistband
JP4994027B2 (ja) * 2006-12-28 2012-08-08 花王株式会社 パンツ型物品及びその製造方法
JP5175689B2 (ja) * 2008-11-06 2013-04-03 王子ネピア株式会社 使い捨ておむつ
US9532908B2 (en) * 2013-09-20 2017-01-03 The Procter & Gamble Company Textured laminate surface, absorbent articles with textured laminate structure, and for manufacturing

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3912565A (en) * 1972-01-24 1975-10-14 Fmc Corp Method of preparing shirred, elastic, flexible articles
US3828784A (en) * 1972-08-21 1974-08-13 Kendall & Co Conformable baby diaper
US3881489A (en) * 1973-08-20 1975-05-06 Procter & Gamble Breathable, liquid inpervious backsheet for absorptive devices
BR7808292A (pt) * 1977-12-20 1979-08-07 Johnson & Johnson Fralda descartavel
US4324245A (en) * 1977-12-20 1982-04-13 Johnson & Johnson Comformable disposable diapers having absorbent panel with bulged side members
BR7900459A (pt) * 1978-01-27 1979-08-21 Johnson & Johnson Fralda descartavel
US4352355A (en) * 1978-04-03 1982-10-05 Johnson & Johnson Baby Products Company Diaper with contoured panel and contoured elastic means
DE3016197A1 (de) * 1980-04-26 1981-11-05 Winkler & Dünnebier, Maschinenfabrik und Eisengießerei GmbH & Co KG, 5450 Neuwied Verfahren und vorrichtung zum abschnittsweisen aufbringen elastischer streifen auf eine materialbahn zur herstellung von hoeschenwindeln o.dgl.
US4341216A (en) * 1981-02-27 1982-07-27 The Procter & Gamble Company Breathable backsheet for disposable diapers
US4515595A (en) * 1982-11-26 1985-05-07 The Procter & Gamble Company Disposable diapers with elastically contractible waistbands

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN107106365A (zh) * 2014-12-18 2017-08-29 3M创新有限公司 尿布附件及相关方法
CN107106365B (zh) * 2014-12-18 2020-06-16 3M创新有限公司 尿布附件及相关方法

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
KR910005920B1 (ko) 1991-08-08
PH25563A (en) 1991-08-08
EP0119825A2 (en) 1984-09-26
CA1211602A (en) 1986-09-23
EG16321A (en) 1987-09-30
MX159353A (es) 1989-05-17
GR81775B (da) 1984-12-12
MA20063A1 (fr) 1984-10-01
IE840673L (en) 1984-09-18
ATE35607T1 (de) 1988-07-15
GB2136677A (en) 1984-09-26
BR8401215A (pt) 1984-10-23
JPH0747097A (ja) 1995-02-21
ES8501215A1 (es) 1984-11-16
ES530683A0 (es) 1984-11-16
ES278248Y (es) 1985-11-16
JP2590054B2 (ja) 1997-03-12
DK137784D0 (da) 1984-02-29
MY102363A (en) 1992-06-17
SG31989G (en) 1989-08-11
IE55086B1 (en) 1990-05-23
GB8406658D0 (en) 1984-04-18
JPS6017101A (ja) 1985-01-29
JP2654350B2 (ja) 1997-09-17
DE3472617D1 (en) 1988-08-18
GB2136677B (en) 1986-12-03
KR840008113A (ko) 1984-12-13
ES278248U (es) 1985-04-16
HK58290A (en) 1990-08-10
EP0119825A3 (en) 1985-04-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4808252A (en) Shaped disposable diapers with elastically contractible waistbands
US4710189A (en) Shaped disposable diapers with shaped elastically contractible waistbands
EP0119825B1 (en) Shaped disposable diapers with shaped elastically contractible waistband and method for their manufacture
EP0112655B1 (en) Disposable diapers with elastically contractible waistbands
US5026364A (en) Absorbent article having unitary waistcap and waistband
EP0376022B1 (en) Absorbent article having unitary waistcap and waistband
EP0109126B1 (en) Disposable garment with breathable leg cuffs
US4900317A (en) Disposable garment with breathable leg cuffs
US5085654A (en) Disposable garment with breathable leg cuffs
EP0263720B1 (en) Absorbent article having leakage resistant dual cuffs
EP0197736B1 (en) Disposable diapers with unitary waistshield and elastically expansible waistbands
CA1334319C (en) Absorbent article having a containment pocket
US6102892A (en) Diaper with pleats for containment of liquid and solid waste
EP0600494B1 (en) Absorbent article
CA1217170A (en) Continuous method for elasticizing discrete articles cut from a moving web in a direction perpendicular to web travel
CA2274548A1 (en) Diaper with pleats for containment of liquid and solid waste
CA1341413C (en) Absorbent article having dual cuffs

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR IT LI LU NL SE

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR IT LI LU NL SE

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 19851005

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 19860731

D17Q First examination report despatched (deleted)
GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR IT LI LU NL SE

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 35607

Country of ref document: AT

Date of ref document: 19880715

Kind code of ref document: T

ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

Owner name: ING. C. GREGORJ S.P.A.

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 3472617

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 19880818

ET Fr: translation filed
PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

26N No opposition filed
ITTA It: last paid annual fee
EPTA Lu: last paid annual fee
EAL Se: european patent in force in sweden

Ref document number: 84301717.9

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Payment date: 20021230

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Payment date: 20030204

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Payment date: 20030206

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20030303

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Payment date: 20030304

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Payment date: 20030319

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20030331

Year of fee payment: 20

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Payment date: 20030409

Year of fee payment: 20

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20040313

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20040313

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20040314

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20040314

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF EXPIRATION OF PROTECTION

Effective date: 20040314

BE20 Be: patent expired

Owner name: THE *PROCTER & GAMBLE CY

Effective date: 20040314

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

NLV7 Nl: ceased due to reaching the maximum lifetime of a patent

Effective date: 20040314

EUG Se: european patent has lapsed